Teaching should be done in an engaging and thoughtful manner. I act as a facilitator, directing the exploration of information, authentic conversation, and development of curiosity amongst students. As a teacher of the social sciences, lessons should not strictly be memorization of dates and facts, but explorations into beliefs, ambiguity, and philosophies. Learning is best done through projects and hands-on activity. Material should always be relevant, drawing from contemporary examples.
I also believe that teachers act as partners with the wider education community, be that parents and guardians, colleagues, or other broader community connections.
Students should know that I am here if they need help, and that I truly care about their success. All they need to bring is an open mind and genuine interest. My classroom is a space in which students can engage each other, respectfully, and in which bullying in any form will not be tolerated. School provides the perfect environment to meet people from other backgrounds, and education is not just about the information gained from class, but also developing empathy, compassion, and understanding. My goal is to help students see and understand their place in the larger world.
Ultimately, I want my classroom to be a place of exploration and growth. The social studies are about studying human behavior and identity, and I believe that, by addressing this material in an interactive and relevant manner, my students can learn more about their place in the world. As Dewey said, “Not only is social life identical with communication, but all communication (and hence all genuine social life) is educative” (Dewey, 1948, p. 6).
Dewey, J. (1948). Democracy and education: An introduction to the philosophy of education. New York, NY: The Macmillan Company. Retrieved January 6, 2020, from https://www.hathitrust.org/.